Happy Place
Self-Improvement
About
Fearne Cotton talks to incredible people about life, love, loss, and everything in-between as she reveals what happiness means to them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- Play therapy rewires the brain! Facing childhood traumas, with The King’s Trust
Shauna Tiffany, who grew up in foster care, shares her journey of healing childhood trauma through creative play therapy. With support from The King's Trust, she established a business to help other children and families. She discusses bui…
- Nicole LePera: "Your nervous system is screaming at you!" Healing anxiety and panic
Dr. Nicole LePera discusses healing anxiety and panic, patterns from childhood, and reparenting the inner child. She also covers tuning into the body to release stress and the role of radical honesty in healing. The episode explores how th…
- Book Club Meets: Rekindling intimacy in marriage, with Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees
This episode of Happy Place features authors Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees. They discuss their book, "You & Me, You & Me, You & Me," which centers on a couple rediscovering intimacy after 25 years of marriage. The authors also share details a…
- "You can't be a people pleaser and a leader!" Emma Grede on self-belief and female ambition
Emma Grede joins Fearne to discuss self-belief, female ambition, and why women should talk about money. She also shares her thoughts on leadership, failure, and being a working mother. Her book, "Start With Yourself", is out now.
- “I was overweight and unhappy!” Liz Earle’s perimenopause and midlife reinvention
Liz Earle, a healthy aging expert, discusses her personal journey through perimenopause and midlife, sharing how she transformed her health and happiness. She offers insights into lifestyle changes, the science of aging well, and the impor…
- Philippa Perry: Why everyone has an inner critic, and how to stop believing yours
Philippa Perry joins Fearne to discuss how to manage your inner critic and stop believing its negative thoughts. She explains how to differentiate between helpful and self-sabotaging inner voices, along with the impact of shame and strateg…
- I don’t identify as middle aged! Fearne's talking hormones and single parenting
Fearne discusses a range of personal experiences and observations, including the challenges of single parenting and hormonal changes, as well as the joys of friendships and morning routines. She also explores themes like midlife and positi…
- Bryony Gordon: How people pleasing fuelled my OCD, alcoholism, and eating disorder
Bryony Gordon joins Fearne on Happy Place to discuss how people pleasing impacted her experiences with OCD, alcoholism, and eating disorders. They also explore body image and insecurities, with Gordon offering advice on confidence.
- Women spend HOW MUCH on period products? Mooncups, AI slop, and joining a choir
In this episode, Fearne Cotton explores topics including the significant cost of period products for women, her return to television presenting, and the positive impact of singing on the nervous system. She also discusses the challenges of…
- Jimmy Carr: “Men half-arse things!” My thoughts on feminism, parenting, and success
In this episode of Happy Place, Jimmy Carr talks about his views on feminism, parenting, and how to define success. He also discusses how his anxieties influence his comedy and his approach to hard work. Hosted by Fearne.
- “I had to say ‘c*ck’ at The Royal Albert Hall!” Fearne’s talking about sex and being more creative
Fearne and the Happy Place team discuss what's making them happy and unhappy, covering topics like reading a sexual fantasy at The Royal Albert Hall, the importance of creative hobbies, and social media behavior. The episode explores every…
- Carol Vorderman: My ‘facelift’ became folklore! Can women have beauty and brains?
Carol Vorderman joins Fearne to discuss her life, from early challenges to studying engineering at Cambridge. She also shares her passion for political activism, emphasizing the importance of voting and advocating for personal beliefs and…
- “I wish I was chic-er!” Fearne on personal style and learning new skills
In this episode of Happy Place, Fearne Cotton discusses personal style, learning new skills like sign language, and everyday experiences. She also talks about navigating illness and public interactions.
- Ruth Langsford: “We all go through sh*t!” My life with divorce and dementia
In this episode of Happy Place, Ruth Langsford shares her experiences with divorce, caring for parents with dementia, and coping with grief. She discusses the role of therapy, female friendships, and addresses challenges like mum guilt.
- “Why are we always rushing?” Slowing down by writing by hand and lying in
Fearne discusses various topics in this episode, including slowing down, the joy of TV series and stationary, frustrations like waking up early, and the debate about feeding foxes. She also covers toilet training kittens and a behind-the-s…
- Break free from people pleasing, with Keisha Buchanan, Megan Barton-Hanson, and Jade Scott
Keisha Buchanan, Megan Barton-Hanson, and Jade Scott join Fearne Cotton on Happy Place to discuss their experiences with people-pleasing. They share advice on building confidence and living life on your own terms.
- “Give people pleasing the finger!” Fearne’s no longer trying to be liked
Fearne discusses her new book, Likeable, and the impact of people pleasing. She covers topics such as prioritizing personal needs, setting boundaries, and being comfortable with others' opinions.
- Radio 1's Matt and Mollie: I’m finding my voice! Back yourself like you back your mate
In this episode of Happy Place, Radio One DJs Matt Edmondson and Mollie King join Fearne Cotton to discuss overcoming insecurities and fostering self-belief. They explore how their friendship has boosted their confidence and share insights…
- Book Club Meets: “I was burnt out!” Live a slower life, with Emma Gannon
Emma Gannon joins the Happy Place podcast to discuss her book, "A Year of Nothing," and her journey through burnout to a slower, more intentional life. She shares insights on rediscovering joy in simple pleasures and rebuilding one's ident…
- Boy George: “I love fame!” Star signs, sexuality, and writing songs with ChatGPT
Boy George discusses his evolving views on fame, moving from judgment to compassion, and his use of AI, specifically ChatGPT, in songwriting. He talks about celebrating success and finding solace in memories, as well as the potential coexi…
- “I skied and got trashed with James Blunt!” How to not care what people think
Fearne discusses various topics including a skiing trip with James Blunt, not caring what people think, and rewatching 90s TV shows. She also touches on solo parenting and finding silver linings.
- Poorna Bell: "Women want more, not more to do!" How to put yourself first
Poorna Bell discusses setting personal goals rather than societal expectations, challenging the narrative of women becoming invisible with age, and the importance of intergenerational wisdom. She also reflects on marriage and strengthening…
- “I hugged a very girthy tree!” Get off screens, write letters, and paint
Fearne and the Happy Place team share what's currently making them happy. Topics include tree hugging, painting by numbers as a screen break, and the resurgence of letter writing.
- Even the Kardashians have insecurities! Reinvent your identity, with Chris Appleton
In this episode of Happy Place, celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton discusses how external appearance can impact self-perception and confidence. He shares his experiences working with clients, from the Kardashians to cancer patients, on…
- “Just try one new thing!” Fearne’s going boxing and to her cervical screening
Fearne shares her thoughts on various topics including changing opinions, cervical screenings, and the importance of trying new things. She also talks about boxing as an outlet and managing panic and anxiety, along with an unexpected call…
- Ashley James: You’re a bimbo! Mumsy! Bossy! How we shrink confidence out of girls
In this episode of Happy Place, Ashley James discusses how labels can shrink women and girls' confidence. She also talks about street harassment, post-partum body changes, and her thoughts on marriage. Her book, 'Bimbo,' is scheduled for r…
- Book Club Meets: Grief, women in history, and Elizabethan magic, with Maggie O’Farrell
Fearne Cotton and Maggie O’Farrell discuss the book "Hamnet," women in history, and Elizabethan magic. Maggie shares insights into her writing process and details her research, which included Elizabethan pursuits like flying kestrels and m…
- Sam Claflin: I calorie count and overthink! What is body dysmorphia?
Sam Claflin opens up about his lifelong battle with body dysmorphia, detailing how it affects his daily life and perceptions. He also discusses his journey to challenge traditional masculinity and promote healthier role models for his son.
- Fearne says hello to intuitive exercise and goodbye to people pleasing
Fearne discusses transitioning to intuitive exercise, managing mansplaining, and the importance of stopping people-pleasing. She also shares joyful winter moments and things to discard from 2025.
- Louise Thompson: Maternity care is bleak! Mental and physical scars of my traumatic birth
Louise Thompson recounts her traumatic birth experience and the subsequent impact of PTSD. She advocates for a Maternity Commissioner in the UK to improve maternity care, discussing her healing journey and coping mechanisms.
- Ant and Dec: I’d choose fatherhood over TV! Practicing gratitude and honouring growth
Ant and Dec join Fearne Cotton on Happy Place to discuss their nearly four-decade careers, fatherhood, practicing gratitude, and the importance of an open mind. They share how fatherhood has changed them and reflect on their journey in tel…
- Sonia Choquette: “I’m having telepathic experiences!” Listen to your intuition
Sonia Choquette joins Fearne to discuss the importance of listening to your intuition and developing a positive mindset. She talks about the connection between emotions, physical health, and the role of laughter in managing anxious thought…
- Overthinking is my demon! Erin Doherty on changing old behaviour patterns
In this episode, Erin Doherty and Fearne Cotton discuss overthinking, cancel culture, and having courage. They also cover ambition, queer characters on screen, and long-distance relationships.
- Book Club Meets: I could have been radicalised! ISIS brides and teen angst, with Nussaibah Younis
Nussaibah Younis discusses her book, which tells the story of Nadia, an academic who takes a UN job in Iraq, and Sara, a teen who joined ISIS. Younis explains how she used satire and comedy to explore tough topics, drawing from her experie…
- OCD, perimenopause, and hitting rock bottom: This year on Happy Place
Fearne Cotton looks back at various Happy Place episodes, sharing her experiences with OCD, managing shame, and changes in her views on periods. She also mentions her friendship with Davina McCall and discussions about women's rights inspi…
- Fearne’s mates have joined the chat! Divorce, overwhelm, and festive drinking games
Fearne and her friends discuss navigating Christmas as co-parents, sober individuals, or when grieving or single. They also share stories from teenage years and address festive dilemmas from listeners.
- Chloe Kelly: “I was riddled with anxiety!” My experience with hair loss and panic attacks
In this episode, footballer Chloe Kelly shares her experiences with severe anxiety, panic attacks, and hair loss. She discusses working with a psychiatrist and the support from her family and friends that helped her mental health.
- Kate Winslet: “The media called me fat!” Why I’m embracing wrinkles and championing women
Kate Winslet speaks about grieving her mother and the impact of media scrutiny on her body image. She also discusses co-parenting, living by instinct, and her experiences making her directorial debut, touching on double standards in the fi…
- Book Club Meets: “Women are survivors and scapegoats!” Rage and revenge, with Elizabeth Day
Elizabeth Day joins Happy Place to discuss her novel "One Of Us," delving into themes of power, politics, class, sexism, discrimination, perimenopause, and female rage. She also examines the idea of women as victims and survivors, the real…
- “Shame keeps you silent!” Tell the truth to improve your self-worth
Fearne Cotton discusses releasing shame and improving self-worth, featuring perspectives from Brené Brown, Dawn French, Charlie Mackesy, Ben West, Lulu, and Jamie Laing. The episode explores how shame can hinder vulnerability and connectio…
- Jack Whitehall: “Just act like you’re confident!” How to cope with embarrassing moments
Jack Whitehall discusses coping with embarrassing moments, handling criticism, and maintaining confidence with Fearne. He also reflects on his acting background and the development of his comedic persona.
- Spencer Matthews: "I lack empathy!" Managing addiction and victim mentality
Spencer Matthews joins Fearne to discuss his past struggles with addiction, the shame he felt while drinking, and his current focus on running. He talks about seeking approval from his parents, his relationship with his daughter, and his P…
- Book Club Meets: “I’m a love and sex addict!” Elizabeth Gilbert copes with co-dependency and grief
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love, discusses her book All The Way To The River, focusing on her relationship with Rayya and themes of love, grief, and co-dependency. She explains how to recognize co-dependent behaviors and offers…
- Malala Yousafzai: Should I get married? How to fall in love as a feminist
In this episode of Happy Place, Malala Yousafzai discusses her journey of self-discovery, exploring themes of feminism, education, work, and marriage choices. She also addresses the current situation for women and girls in Afghanistan.
- Daisy May and Charlie Cooper: Being working class made us angry! Combat imposter syndrome
Daisy May and Charlie Cooper discuss how their working-class upbringing fueled them, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the challenges faced during the creation of their show This Country. They also touch on family dynamics, the paranormal,…
- “I think the worst!” How to manage anxiety and intrusive thoughts
Fearne Cotton discusses anxiety and intrusive thoughts with guests. Topics include managing OCD, panic attacks, and therapeutic approaches.
- Is there life after death? What happens when we die, with Brian Cox
In this episode, physicist Professor Brian Cox discusses the physics of the universe, life after death, and finding personal purpose. He also talks about encouraging young girls to pursue science and shares a story from an alien movie set.…
- Jamie Laing on fatherhood, family, loneliness, and male body image
Jamie Laing speaks about his journey to fatherhood, complexities of family relationships, feelings of loneliness, and struggles with male body image. He also discusses cultivating self-compassion and encouraging men to open up.
- Blame achieves nothing! How to forgive yourself and others, with Charlie Mackesy
Charlie Mackesy and Fearne discuss forgiveness, shame, and dealing with fear. The conversation explores self-acceptance, human connection, and navigating a polarized world.
- Greg James: Stop sleepwalking through life! Find your childlike self-belief
Greg James and Fearne discuss the importance of embracing childhood passions and fun. They explore how to question societal expectations and choose laughter to avoid a "bleak, boring, and anxiety-inducing" adult life.